Digital Propaganda and Diplomacy

Abstract This chapter delves into the connection between digital propaganda and diplomacy, examining the political implications and epistemic position of propaganda in academic discourses on media and communication. While propaganda is often seen as a neutral term in the analysis of persuasive communication, it takes on a different meaning in the realm of international politics as it is often used by diplomatic actors with partisan foreign policy goals. With the rise of digitalization, propaganda has undergone a re-invention in hybrid media landscapes, making it a crucial topic to explore in the field of diplomacy. The chapter assesses the episteme of digital propaganda in relation to other related concepts, such as digital diplomacy, disinformation, and misinformation. It also examines the relationships between diplomatic actors and the roles and activities they undertake in digital propaganda, using case studies such as Russia’s intervention in the 2016 US presidential elections and EU membership referendum in the UK and the ‘LGBT-free zones’ in Poland. Theoretical approaches to digital propaganda are also discussed, from classical models to their adaptations to current media landscapes. The chapter concludes by highlighting emerging trends that are affecting the use and impact of digital propaganda in diplomacy.